Maoist shutdown affects traffic in Orissa

Buses were off the roads in parts of three Orissa districts fearing attacks as the Maoists on Saturday called for a two-day shutdown to protest alleged police atrocities.

"The movements of buses has been affected in some places in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts," Inspector General of Police (Operations) Sanjeeb Marik told IANS.

"Schools, colleges, private and government offices and shops are open as usual," he said.

The Maoists have called for a two-day strike in five states of Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to protest police excesses, violation of human rights and the price rise.